EP0361848A1 - Packed batteries and method of making the same - Google Patents
Packed batteries and method of making the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0361848A1 EP0361848A1 EP89309764A EP89309764A EP0361848A1 EP 0361848 A1 EP0361848 A1 EP 0361848A1 EP 89309764 A EP89309764 A EP 89309764A EP 89309764 A EP89309764 A EP 89309764A EP 0361848 A1 EP0361848 A1 EP 0361848A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- terminals
- power generating
- generating element
- terminal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M6/00—Primary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M6/42—Grouping of primary cells into batteries
- H01M6/44—Grouping of primary cells into batteries of tubular or cup-shaped cells
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
- H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
- H01M50/213—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49108—Electric battery cell making
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a packed battery used as a power source for portable appliances such as cameras or a backup power supply for memories in electronic apparatus. It also relates to a method of making such packed battery.
- Packed batteries of the type described are known as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Laid-open Publication Nos. 60-16046 and 61-39861.
- the disclosed packed batteries comprise a split case formed of synthetic resin, and a power generating element composed of a plurality of cylindrical cells connected in series and disposed within an interior space defined by two halves of the split case. Positive and negative terminals are exposed to an upper surface of the split case for permitting the electric current to be drawn from the packed battery.
- an object of the present invention is to provide a packed battery which has a large capacity per unit volume and a terminal welding strength large enough to withstand shock or impact forces tending to detach the terminals, and enables a simple welding operation to join the terminals to terminal end faces of the individual cells, thus improving the productivity of the packed battery.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of making such packed battery.
- a packed battery comprises a power generating element including a plurality of cylindrical cells disposed side-by-side and electrically connected in series by a conductive connector, and an adhesive-backed labeling sheet member wrapped around the peripheries of the respective cylindrical cells.
- a frame holds therein the power generating element and is composed of a pair of generally I-shaped frame members molded of synthetic resin and joined together to define therebetween a substantially hollow space with one end open for receiving therein the power generating element, and an end cap molded of synthetic resin and joined with the frame members to close the open end of the frame.
- a pair of terminals is attached to one of the frame members, each of the terminals having one end connected to one of two terminal ends of the power generating element. The other end of the terminal is exposed to the outside of the frame for permitting electric current to be drawn from the power generating element.
- a plurality of cylindrical cells are bonded together in side-by-side with an adhesive and they are electrically connected in series by a conductive connector.
- the cylindrical cells are wrapped on their peripheries with an adhesive-backed labeling sheet member, thereby completing a power generating element.
- the power generating element is held between a pair of generally I-shaped frame members molded of synthetic resin.
- the two frame members are joined together by ultrasonic welding, thereby firmly holding the power generating element in a frame composed of the thus-joined frame members.
- a pair of terminals of a generally 7 shaped configuration is attached to one of the frame members by first inserting respective one end portions of the terminals into the one frame member through apertures defined in the one frame member until the one end portions engage two terminal end faces of the power generating element and respective other end portions of the terminals are fitted in retainer recesses in the one frame, then welding the one end portions of the terminals to the terminal end faces of the power generating element to thereby connect the terminals and the power generating element.
- An end cap molded of synthetic resin is fitted into an open end of the frame to close the same, with the opposite end portions of the terminals firmly gripped by and between the end cap and the one frame member of the frame. Finally, the end cap and the frame is integrally fused together by ultrasonic welding.
- FIG. 1 and 2 show a packed battery according to the present invention.
- the packed battery includes a frame composed of a pair of generally I-shaped first and second frame members 1, 2 and an end cap 3 assembled together to hold a power generating element in the frame.
- the power generating element is composed of a plurality (two in the illustrated embodiment) of cylindrical cells 5, 6 (Fig. 2) disposed in side-by-side juxtaposition and joined by an adhesive-backed labeling sheet member 4 extending over and around the peripheries of the respective cylindrical cells 5, 6.
- the cells 5, 6 are electrically connected in series by a conductive connector 7 or a connector having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, the connector being joined with the bottom terminal end faces of the respective cells 5, 6.
- PTC positive temperature coefficient
- PSR 20732 manufactured by Raychem Corporation of Calif.
- the I-shaped first and second frame members 1, 2 are molded of synthetic resin and assembled together to jointly define therebetween a hollow space with a top end open for receiving therein the power generating element.
- the open top end of the frame is closed by the end cap 3 which is also molded of synthetic resin.
- the end cap 3 also serves to keep outer ends of the respective terminals 8 in position against displacement, as described later.
- the I-shaped first frame member 1 includes an upper horizontal arm bent arcuately and having a pair of laterally spaced horizontal apertures 1a, 1a extending therethrough for the passage of the respective terminals 8, and a pair of inverted L-shaped retaining recesses 1b, 1b extending in the outside surface of the upper horizontal arm contiguously from the respective apertures 1a for holding therein portions of the respective terminals 8.
- the top surface of the horizontal arm is recessed so as to form a horizontal shoulder 1c (Figs. 3 and 4) projecting inwardly for supporting thereon the end cap 3 when the packed battery is assembled.
- the lower horizontal arm of the first frame member 1 has a bottom plate extending parallel to the shoulder 1c for supporting thereon the cells 5, 6.
- the I-shaped second frame member 2 is of the generally identical sturcture to the I-shaped first frame member 1 and includes two pairs of laterally spaced locking projections 2a extending forwardly from opposite ends of upper and lower horizontal arms of the frame member 2.
- the locking projections 2a are fitted in mating recesses 1d formed in the opposite ends of the respective arms of the first frame member 1 when the two frame members 1, 2 are joined together as described later.
- the upper horizontal arm of the second frame member 2 is recessed in its top surface so as to form a horizontal shoulder 2b for supporting thereon the end cap 3.
- the recessed top surface also has a semicircular guide recess 2c for receiving a guide projection (described later) of the cap 3.
- the lower horizontal arm of the second frame member 2 has a bottom plate 2d extending parallel to the shoulder 2b for supporting thereon the cells 5, 6.
- the end cap 3 as shown in Figs. 5A through 5C, has a pair of laterally spaced guide recesses 3a, 3a in its under surface for receiving therein portions of the respective terminals 8, and an annular central projection 3b on the under surface.
- the projection 3b is receivable in an opening defined by the shoulders 1c, 2b (Figs. 2 and 4) of the first and second frame members 1, 2.
- the guide recesses 3a have a depth slightly smaller than the thickness of the terminals 8 for a reason described later.
- the end cap 3 further has a semicircular guide projection 3c projecting edgewise and complementary in contour to the shape of the guide recess 2c (Figs. 2 and 4) of the second I-shaped frame member 1.
- each of the cylindrical cells 5, 6 is covered with a tubular sheathing 9, 10 of polyvinyl chloride.
- the opposite terminal end faces of the respective cells 5, 6 remain uncovered or exposed.
- Each of the terminals 8 is formed of a resilient strip of metal bent into a generally inverted horizontal 7-shaped configuration.
- the generally 7-shaped terminal 8 includes, as shown in Fig.
- a flat inner end portion 8a engageable with the top terminal end face 6a of a corresponding one 6 of the cells 5, 6, a generally L-shaped outer end portion 8b fitted in a corresponding one 1b of the first frame member 1, an intermediate support portion 8c contiguous to the outer end portion 8b and received in the aperture 1a, and an inclined portion 8d interconnecting the support portion 8c and the inner end portion 8a.
- the inclined portion 8d is resiliently deformable about the support portion 8c so that the inner end portion 8a is displacable in a direction parallel to a central axis of the cylindrical cell 6.
- the extent of displacement of the flat end portion 8a of the terminal 8 is at least equal to the difference between a first distance h1 between the support portion 8c and the top end face of a negative terminal and a second distance h2 between the support portion 8c and the top end face of a positive terminal 6c.
- the packed battery of the foregoing construction is made in a manner as described below.
- the cylindrical cells 5, 6 wrapped with the tubular sheathings of polyvinyl chloride are disposed side-by-side and bonded together by an adhesive (not shown). Then the bottom end faces of the respective cylindrical cells 5, 6 are joined by resistance welding to a conductive connector to thereby electrically connect the two cells in series. Thereafter, the adhesive-backed labeling sheet member 4 is wrapped around the peripheries of the respective cylindrical cells 5, 6. A power generating element is thus completed.
- the power generating element composed of the sheathed cylindrical cells 5, 6 is placed in one of the first and the second frame members 1 or 2.
- the other frame member 2 or 1 is placed over the power generating element, then forced against the one frame member 1 or 2, so that the two frame members 1, 2 are pre-assembled together through engagement between the recesses 1d in the first frame member 1 and the locking projections 2a on the second frame member 2.
- the engagement portions of the thus pre-assembled frame members 1, 2 are fused together by a ultrasonic welder to thereby permanently join the first and second frame members 1, 2, with the power generating element firmly held between the first and second frame members 1, 2.
- the two terminals 8 are attached to the first frame member 1 in a manner as shown in Fig. 3.
- the terminals 8 are first held in a posture to assume an inverted horizontal 7 shape. While keeping this posture, the terminals 8 are then inserted through the apertures 1a into the frame until the inverted L-shaped outer end portions 8b of the respective terminals 8 are snugly fitted in the retaining recesses 1b of the first frame member 1.
- the flat inner ends 8a of the respective terminals 8 are held in pressure contact with corresponding ones of the top terminal end faces (only one shown at 6a in Fig. 3) of the cells 5, 6.
- the inner end portions 8a are resiliently displacable to accommodate the difference in level (h2 - h2) between the positive terminal end face 6a and the negative terminal end face of the cells 5, 6. Then the inner end portions 8a of the terminals 8 and the top terminal end faces of the cells 5, 6 are joined together by resistance welding.
- the resistance welding is achieved stably and reliably with utmost ease because a relatively large space S is provided for the passage of a non-illustrated electrode head of a resistance welder. With this relatively large space S defined in the open top end of the frame, the electrode head is readily movable through the space S into accurate pressure contact with the inner end portions 8a of the terminals 8 without interference with the frame.
- the inner end portions 8a are closely fitted with the terminal end faces of the cells 5, 6 without an air gap therebetween which would otherwise result in sparking at welding operation and an uneven welding strength.
- the end cap 3 is fitted into the open top end of the frame to close the same.
- endmost parts of the respective outer end portions 8b of the terminals 8 are received in the guide recesses 3a of the end cap 3. Since the depth of the guide recesses 3a is slightly smaller than the thickness of the terminals 8 as described above, the endmost parts of the outer end portions 8b are firmly gripped by and between the end cap 3 and the the shoulder 1c of the first frame member 1. The outer end portions 8b are thus locked in position against displacement.
- the end cap 3 can be set on the frame without wobbling.
- the guide projection 3c is particularly useful when combined with a marking (not shown) indicative of the polarity of the battery. With this combination of the guide projection 3c and the polarity marking, it is possible to avoid a failure of polarity indication caused by the cells loaded in a wrong direction.
- the end cap 3 is finally fused by ultrasonic welding to the frame, thereby completing a packed battery.
- Figs. 6A and 6B show another form of wrapping of the cylindrical cells 5, 6 with an adhesive-backed labeling sheet member 4.
- the adhesive-backed labeling sheet member 4 is wrapped around the peripheries of the two cells 5, 6 in such a manner that a central portion 4a extends tangentially between the two cells 5, 6, as shown in Fig. 6A.
- the labeling sheet member 4 is transversely severed at the central portion 4a into two labeling sheet member pieces.
- the severed edge portions of the respective labeling sheet member pieces are bonded to the peripheries of the respective cylindrical cells 5, 6, as shown in Fig. 6B.
- the frame of the packed battery of the present invention is composed of two generally I-shaped frame members and hence the power generating element is not fully concealed in the frame, as opposed to the power generating element of the conventional packed battery shown in Fig. 7. Accordingly, the packed battery of the present invention has a greater effective volume than the conventional packed battery.
- the capacity of the present packed battery is 1.20 to 1,40 times as large as the conventional packed battery of the same volume. The present packed battery and the conventional packed battery were tested for the terminal welding strength.
- the number of test samples was 500 for each battery.
- the 500 test samples ware dropped five times at random order from the position of 1 m from the level of a plastic tile, then observed for a conduction failure caused by detachment of the terminal. No conduction failure was observed on the test samples of the present invention whereas 27 test samples of the conventional battery caused such conduction failure.
- Such a conduction failure-free welding of the terminals is achieved due mainly to a relatively large open top end provided in the frame for the passage therethrough of an electrode head of the resistance welding machine. With this large open end, the electrode head can be accurately positioned on the terminal inner end, has an increased degree of freedom of design, and is capable of performing welding operation efficiently.
- the inner end portion of the terminal is resiliently urged into pressure contact with the terminal end face of each cell and can be displacable to accommodate the difference in level between the positive and negative terminal ends of the adjacent cells. Accordingly, the inner end portion of the terminal and the terminal end face of the cell are welded stably and reliably in a closely fitted condition.
- the outer end of the terminal is integrally molded with the frame at the same time the end cap is ultrasonically welded to the frame members, with an endmost part of the outer end portion firmly gripped by and between th end cap and one of the frame members. Thus the terminal is firmly locked in position against detachment.
- the cells can be transported and stored as they are retained in the frame. The packed battery having such framed cells is therefore suited for an assembly system on the division of work bases.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a packed battery used as a power source for portable appliances such as cameras or a backup power supply for memories in electronic apparatus. It also relates to a method of making such packed battery.
- Packed batteries of the type described are known as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Laid-open Publication Nos. 60-16046 and 61-39861. The disclosed packed batteries comprise a split case formed of synthetic resin, and a power generating element composed of a plurality of cylindrical cells connected in series and disposed within an interior space defined by two halves of the split case. Positive and negative terminals are exposed to an upper surface of the split case for permitting the electric current to be drawn from the packed battery.
- In the manufacture of the known packed batteries, as shown in Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings, it has been customary practice to first place in one case member C of a split case having a pair of cutout recesses A, B of the same width as positive and negative terminals G1, G2, a power generating element composed of a plurality of cells E, F connected in series by a conductive connector D or a conductor having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) layer or device which has previously been welded to the bottom ends of the respective cells. Then, the positive and negative terminals G1, G2 of about 4 mm thick are set in retainer recesses H2, H1 of the case member C and electrically connected by resistance welding to the top terminal end faces of the respective cells F, E. Finally, the other case member I is assembled with the case member C to fully encase the power generating element and the two case members C, I are bonded together to complete a packed battery.
- In recent years, the appliances employing the packed batteries have found a wide variety of applications which then have brought about an increasing desire for a packed battery capable of meeting requirements including a large capacity, a large welding strength against shock or impact forces tending to detach the terminals, and a simple welding of the terminals to the top terminal end faces of the respective cells to improve the productivity. The conventional packed batteries of the foregoing construction and the method of making the same are however not satisfactory for the reasons described below. Since cutout recesses A, B in the case C have the same width as the terminals G1, G2, there is provided only a small space available for receiving an electrode head of a welder when the terminals G1, G2 are welded to the cells E, F. This small space needs a specifically designed welder head and a complicated setting of the welding positions of an automated packed battery manufacturing machine. Furthermore, the individual cells E, F are completely received in the split case, so that the capacity per unit volume of the battery is necessarily reduced to a certain extent depending on the thickness of the split case. With this fully encased construction, the conventional packed batteries fail to meet the desire for a large capacity packed battery.
- With the foregoing difficulties in view, an object of the present invention is to provide a packed battery which has a large capacity per unit volume and a terminal welding strength large enough to withstand shock or impact forces tending to detach the terminals, and enables a simple welding operation to join the terminals to terminal end faces of the individual cells, thus improving the productivity of the packed battery.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of making such packed battery.
- According to the present invention, a packed battery comprises a power generating element including a plurality of cylindrical cells disposed side-by-side and electrically connected in series by a conductive connector, and an adhesive-backed labeling sheet member wrapped around the peripheries of the respective cylindrical cells. A frame holds therein the power generating element and is composed of a pair of generally I-shaped frame members molded of synthetic resin and joined together to define therebetween a substantially hollow space with one end open for receiving therein the power generating element, and an end cap molded of synthetic resin and joined with the frame members to close the open end of the frame. A pair of terminals is attached to one of the frame members, each of the terminals having one end connected to one of two terminal ends of the power generating element. The other end of the terminal is exposed to the outside of the frame for permitting electric current to be drawn from the power generating element.
- To make the packed battery stated above, a plurality of cylindrical cells are bonded together in side-by-side with an adhesive and they are electrically connected in series by a conductive connector. The cylindrical cells are wrapped on their peripheries with an adhesive-backed labeling sheet member, thereby completing a power generating element. The power generating element is held between a pair of generally I-shaped frame members molded of synthetic resin. The two frame members are joined together by ultrasonic welding, thereby firmly holding the power generating element in a frame composed of the thus-joined frame members. A pair of terminals of a generally 7 shaped configuration is attached to one of the frame members by first inserting respective one end portions of the terminals into the one frame member through apertures defined in the one frame member until the one end portions engage two terminal end faces of the power generating element and respective other end portions of the terminals are fitted in retainer recesses in the one frame, then welding the one end portions of the terminals to the terminal end faces of the power generating element to thereby connect the terminals and the power generating element. An end cap molded of synthetic resin is fitted into an open end of the frame to close the same, with the opposite end portions of the terminals firmly gripped by and between the end cap and the one frame member of the frame. Finally, the end cap and the frame is integrally fused together by ultrasonic welding.
- Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which preferred structural embodiments incorporating the principles of the present invention are shown by way of illustrative example.
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- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a packed battery according to the present invention;
- Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view, on reduced scale, of the packed battery, explaining a method of making the same packed battery according to the present invention;
- Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line III - III of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a frame of the packed battery which is composed of a pair of molded frame halves or members and a molded end cap;
- Fig. 5A is a plan view of the end cap;
- Fig. 5B is a front elevational view of the end cap;
- Fig. 5C is a bottom view of the end cap;
- Figs. 6A and 6B are perspective views showing the manner in which two series-connected cells of a power generating element are covered on their substantially entire peripheries with an adhesive-backed labeling sheet member; and
- Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional packed battery.
- Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, Figs. 1 and 2 show a packed battery according to the present invention.
- The packed battery includes a frame composed of a pair of generally I-shaped first and
second frame members end cap 3 assembled together to hold a power generating element in the frame. The power generating element is composed of a plurality (two in the illustrated embodiment) ofcylindrical cells 5, 6 (Fig. 2) disposed in side-by-side juxtaposition and joined by an adhesive-backedlabeling sheet member 4 extending over and around the peripheries of the respectivecylindrical cells cells conductive connector 7 or a connector having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, the connector being joined with the bottom terminal end faces of therespective cells terminals 8 are attached to the top end of theframe member 1 and held in contact with the top terminal end faces of therespective cells terminals 8. The I-shaped first andsecond frame members end cap 3 which is also molded of synthetic resin. Theend cap 3 also serves to keep outer ends of therespective terminals 8 in position against displacement, as described later. - As shown in Fig. 2, the I-shaped
first frame member 1 includes an upper horizontal arm bent arcuately and having a pair of laterally spacedhorizontal apertures respective terminals 8, and a pair of inverted L-shaped retaining recesses respective apertures 1a for holding therein portions of therespective terminals 8. The top surface of the horizontal arm is recessed so as to form ahorizontal shoulder 1c (Figs. 3 and 4) projecting inwardly for supporting thereon theend cap 3 when the packed battery is assembled. Though not shown, the lower horizontal arm of thefirst frame member 1 has a bottom plate extending parallel to theshoulder 1c for supporting thereon thecells - The I-shaped
second frame member 2 is of the generally identical sturcture to the I-shapedfirst frame member 1 and includes two pairs of laterally spacedlocking projections 2a extending forwardly from opposite ends of upper and lower horizontal arms of theframe member 2. Thelocking projections 2a are fitted inmating recesses 1d formed in the opposite ends of the respective arms of thefirst frame member 1 when the twoframe members second frame member 2 is recessed in its top surface so as to form ahorizontal shoulder 2b for supporting thereon theend cap 3. The recessed top surface also has a semicircular guide recess 2c for receiving a guide projection (described later) of thecap 3. The lower horizontal arm of thesecond frame member 2 has abottom plate 2d extending parallel to theshoulder 2b for supporting thereon thecells - The
end cap 3, as shown in Figs. 5A through 5C, has a pair of laterally spacedguide recesses respective terminals 8, and an annularcentral projection 3b on the under surface. Theprojection 3b is receivable in an opening defined by theshoulders second frame members terminals 8 for a reason described later. Theend cap 3 further has asemicircular guide projection 3c projecting edgewise and complementary in contour to the shape of theguide recess 2c (Figs. 2 and 4) of the second I-shapedframe member 1. - As shown in Fig. 2, each of the
cylindrical cells tubular sheathing respective cells terminals 8 is formed of a resilient strip of metal bent into a generally inverted horizontal 7-shaped configuration. The generally 7-shapedterminal 8 includes, as shown in Fig. 3, a flatinner end portion 8a engageable with the topterminal end face 6a of acorresponding one 6 of thecells outer end portion 8b fitted in a corresponding one 1b of thefirst frame member 1, an intermediate support portion 8c contiguous to theouter end portion 8b and received in theaperture 1a, and aninclined portion 8d interconnecting the support portion 8c and theinner end portion 8a. With this construction, when theterminal 8 is attached to the frame, theinclined portion 8d is resiliently deformable about the support portion 8c so that theinner end portion 8a is displacable in a direction parallel to a central axis of thecylindrical cell 6. The extent of displacement of theflat end portion 8a of theterminal 8 is at least equal to the difference between a first distance h1 between the support portion 8c and the top end face of a negative terminal and a second distance h2 between the support portion 8c and the top end face of a positive terminal 6c. - The packed battery of the foregoing construction is made in a manner as described below.
- The
cylindrical cells cylindrical cells labeling sheet member 4 is wrapped around the peripheries of the respectivecylindrical cells - The power generating element composed of the sheathed
cylindrical cells second frame members other frame member frame member frame members recesses 1d in thefirst frame member 1 and the lockingprojections 2a on thesecond frame member 2. The engagement portions of the thuspre-assembled frame members second frame members second frame members - Thereafter, the two
terminals 8 are attached to thefirst frame member 1 in a manner as shown in Fig. 3. In attachment, theterminals 8 are first held in a posture to assume an inverted horizontal 7 shape. While keeping this posture, theterminals 8 are then inserted through theapertures 1a into the frame until the inverted L-shapedouter end portions 8b of therespective terminals 8 are snugly fitted in the retaining recesses 1b of thefirst frame member 1. In this instance, the flat inner ends 8a of therespective terminals 8 are held in pressure contact with corresponding ones of the top terminal end faces (only one shown at 6a in Fig. 3) of thecells inclined portions 8d, theinner end portions 8a are resiliently displacable to accommodate the difference in level (h2 - h2) between the positiveterminal end face 6a and the negative terminal end face of thecells inner end portions 8a of theterminals 8 and the top terminal end faces of thecells inner end portions 8a of theterminals 8 without interference with the frame. Theinner end portions 8a are closely fitted with the terminal end faces of thecells - Then, the
end cap 3 is fitted into the open top end of the frame to close the same. In this instance, endmost parts of the respectiveouter end portions 8b of theterminals 8 are received in the guide recesses 3a of theend cap 3. Since the depth of theguide recesses 3a is slightly smaller than the thickness of theterminals 8 as described above, the endmost parts of theouter end portions 8b are firmly gripped by and between theend cap 3 and the theshoulder 1c of thefirst frame member 1. Theouter end portions 8b are thus locked in position against displacement. Partly because theannular projection 3b fitted in an opening defined by theshoulders second frame members semicircular guide projection 3c fitted in thesemicircular guide recess 2c in thesecond frame member 2, theend cap 3 can be set on the frame without wobbling. Theguide projection 3c is particularly useful when combined with a marking (not shown) indicative of the polarity of the battery. With this combination of theguide projection 3c and the polarity marking, it is possible to avoid a failure of polarity indication caused by the cells loaded in a wrong direction. Theend cap 3 is finally fused by ultrasonic welding to the frame, thereby completing a packed battery. - Figs. 6A and 6B show another form of wrapping of the
cylindrical cells labeling sheet member 4. The adhesive-backedlabeling sheet member 4 is wrapped around the peripheries of the twocells cells labeling sheet member 4 is transversely severed at the central portion 4a into two labeling sheet member pieces. The severed edge portions of the respective labeling sheet member pieces are bonded to the peripheries of the respectivecylindrical cells - As described above, the frame of the packed battery of the present invention is composed of two generally I-shaped frame members and hence the power generating element is not fully concealed in the frame, as opposed to the power generating element of the conventional packed battery shown in Fig. 7. Accordingly, the packed battery of the present invention has a greater effective volume than the conventional packed battery. The capacity of the present packed battery is 1.20 to 1,40 times as large as the conventional packed battery of the same volume. The present packed battery and the conventional packed battery were tested for the terminal welding strength.
- The number of test samples was 500 for each battery. The 500 test samples ware dropped five times at random order from the position of 1 m from the level of a plastic tile, then observed for a conduction failure caused by detachment of the terminal. No conduction failure was observed on the test samples of the present invention whereas 27 test samples of the conventional battery caused such conduction failure. Such a conduction failure-free welding of the terminals is achieved due mainly to a relatively large open top end provided in the frame for the passage therethrough of an electrode head of the resistance welding machine. With this large open end, the electrode head can be accurately positioned on the terminal inner end, has an increased degree of freedom of design, and is capable of performing welding operation efficiently. Furthermore, due to the resiliency of the terminal, the inner end portion of the terminal is resiliently urged into pressure contact with the terminal end face of each cell and can be displacable to accommodate the difference in level between the positive and negative terminal ends of the adjacent cells. Accordingly, the inner end portion of the terminal and the terminal end face of the cell are welded stably and reliably in a closely fitted condition. The outer end of the terminal is integrally molded with the frame at the same time the end cap is ultrasonically welded to the frame members, with an endmost part of the outer end portion firmly gripped by and between th end cap and one of the frame members. Thus the terminal is firmly locked in position against detachment. Furthermore, in the course of manufacture of the packed battery, the cells can be transported and stored as they are retained in the frame. The packed battery having such framed cells is therefore suited for an assembly system on the division of work bases.
- Obviously, various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teaching. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (10)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP63243018A JPH0690921B2 (en) | 1988-09-28 | 1988-09-28 | Battery pack and manufacturing method |
JP243018/88 | 1988-09-28 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0361848A1 true EP0361848A1 (en) | 1990-04-04 |
EP0361848B1 EP0361848B1 (en) | 1993-08-04 |
Family
ID=17097651
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP89309764A Expired - Lifetime EP0361848B1 (en) | 1988-09-28 | 1989-09-26 | Packed batteries and method of making the same |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4965148A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0361848B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH0690921B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE68908061T2 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0727833A1 (en) * | 1995-02-17 | 1996-08-21 | Japan Storage Battery Company Limited | Cylindrical cell, a cell pack and a cell holder |
EP0821421A1 (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 1998-01-28 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd | Battery pack |
EP0821420A1 (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 1998-01-28 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd | Battery pack |
ES2115501A1 (en) * | 1995-08-04 | 1998-06-16 | Celaya Emparanza Galdos Sa | Procedure for manufacturing an electric cell for radio transmitters and cell obtained with this. |
EP0905803A1 (en) * | 1997-09-30 | 1999-03-31 | Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. | Battery Holder |
EP2654099A1 (en) * | 2010-12-13 | 2013-10-23 | Panasonic Corporation | Battery module and battery pack |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5619117A (en) * | 1982-06-07 | 1997-04-08 | Norand Corporation | Battery pack having memory |
JP2543515Y2 (en) * | 1990-08-07 | 1997-08-06 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Dry battery package |
JPH04105457U (en) * | 1991-02-25 | 1992-09-10 | 新神戸電機株式会社 | battery pack |
US5200280A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1993-04-06 | Black & Decker Inc. | Terminal cover for a battery pack |
JPH0623158U (en) * | 1992-08-28 | 1994-03-25 | 富士電気化学株式会社 | Battery pack |
US5302110A (en) * | 1993-03-19 | 1994-04-12 | Motorola, Inc. | Unitized battery package |
FR2762716B1 (en) * | 1997-04-28 | 1999-05-28 | Alsthom Cge Alcatel | DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING BATTERIES OF ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATORS |
US6187470B1 (en) * | 1997-06-10 | 2001-02-13 | Roland K. Peterson | Solderless battery cell holder |
US6303248B1 (en) * | 1997-06-10 | 2001-10-16 | Roland K. Peterson | Solderless battery pack |
US5958618A (en) * | 1997-10-14 | 1999-09-28 | Motorola, Inc. | Battery assembly |
USD426513S (en) * | 1999-03-12 | 2000-06-13 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Battery pack casing |
US6811922B2 (en) * | 2002-04-11 | 2004-11-02 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Battery pack |
US20040048146A1 (en) * | 2002-09-06 | 2004-03-11 | David Adamson | Electrochemical cells and systems |
US7332238B2 (en) * | 2002-09-06 | 2008-02-19 | The Gillette Company | Electrochemical cells and systems |
CN2819483Y (en) * | 2005-04-15 | 2006-09-20 | 金达时发展有限公司 | Thin-plated assembled connector of lithium battery |
KR102356940B1 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2022-01-28 | 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 | Battery pack |
USD968594S1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-11-01 | Erika Toldi | Protective cover for insulin pump |
Citations (4)
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GB452249A (en) * | 1934-12-15 | 1936-08-19 | Burgess Battery Co | Electric battery |
DE2805067A1 (en) * | 1978-02-07 | 1979-08-09 | Electron Gmbh Vertrieb Elektro | Housing for cylindrical objects - has windows arranged so that curved surfaces of objects form part of outside housing surface for reduced volume |
GB2088158A (en) * | 1980-11-14 | 1982-06-03 | Sanyo Electric Co | Battery device |
JPS6139861U (en) * | 1984-08-17 | 1986-03-13 | 三洋電機株式会社 | battery pack |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2209927A (en) * | 1937-04-20 | 1940-07-30 | Nat Carbon Co Inc | Dry battery construction |
US3486945A (en) * | 1967-12-07 | 1969-12-30 | Frank O Donnell | Battery set and camera combination |
US3736189A (en) * | 1972-02-29 | 1973-05-29 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Locking device for battery sticks |
US4407911A (en) * | 1980-10-01 | 1983-10-04 | General Electric Company | Rechargeable electrochemical cell pack having resistance to impact and vibration |
JPS60160465A (en) * | 1984-02-01 | 1985-08-22 | Natl Aerospace Lab | Multiinterrupt device |
US4806440A (en) * | 1987-02-05 | 1989-02-21 | Cni | Lantern battery substitute |
-
1988
- 1988-09-28 JP JP63243018A patent/JPH0690921B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1989
- 1989-09-26 EP EP89309764A patent/EP0361848B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1989-09-26 DE DE89309764T patent/DE68908061T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1989-09-27 US US07/413,403 patent/US4965148A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB452249A (en) * | 1934-12-15 | 1936-08-19 | Burgess Battery Co | Electric battery |
DE2805067A1 (en) * | 1978-02-07 | 1979-08-09 | Electron Gmbh Vertrieb Elektro | Housing for cylindrical objects - has windows arranged so that curved surfaces of objects form part of outside housing surface for reduced volume |
GB2088158A (en) * | 1980-11-14 | 1982-06-03 | Sanyo Electric Co | Battery device |
JPS6139861U (en) * | 1984-08-17 | 1986-03-13 | 三洋電機株式会社 | battery pack |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, vol. 12, no. 232 (E-628)[3079], 30th June 1988; & JP-A-63 024 548 (FUJI ELECTROCHEM CO.) 01-02-1988 * |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0727833A1 (en) * | 1995-02-17 | 1996-08-21 | Japan Storage Battery Company Limited | Cylindrical cell, a cell pack and a cell holder |
ES2115501A1 (en) * | 1995-08-04 | 1998-06-16 | Celaya Emparanza Galdos Sa | Procedure for manufacturing an electric cell for radio transmitters and cell obtained with this. |
EP0821421A1 (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 1998-01-28 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd | Battery pack |
EP0821420A1 (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 1998-01-28 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd | Battery pack |
EP0905803A1 (en) * | 1997-09-30 | 1999-03-31 | Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. | Battery Holder |
EP2654099A1 (en) * | 2010-12-13 | 2013-10-23 | Panasonic Corporation | Battery module and battery pack |
EP2654099A4 (en) * | 2010-12-13 | 2014-03-26 | Panasonic Corp | Battery module and battery pack |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0361848B1 (en) | 1993-08-04 |
JPH0690921B2 (en) | 1994-11-14 |
DE68908061T2 (en) | 1994-01-13 |
DE68908061D1 (en) | 1993-09-09 |
JPH0290460A (en) | 1990-03-29 |
US4965148A (en) | 1990-10-23 |
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